National Parks Receive Patrol Vehicles To Combat Insecurity, Boost Conservation Efforts

Abuja, THE NEWSHAUS – The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has donated 11 Toyota Hilux vehicles to the National Park Service (NPS), a significant step towards bolstering security and conservation efforts in Northern Nigeria’s national parks.

This weekend’s donation aims to provide the National Park Service with the resources it needs to combat the rising threats of insurgency, banditry, and poaching in the country’s critical wildlife sanctuaries.

The presentation ceremony, which took place at the NPS headquarters, was attended by the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, and the National Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, Mr. Abdulhamid Umar.

The Minister emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the NPS’s capacity and ensuring the safety of both park rangers and tourists.

“The handover of these vehicles signifies a critical step towards safeguarding our national treasures,” stated the Minister.

“These vehicles will greatly enhance the NPS’s ability to patrol vast areas, respond swiftly to security threats, and effectively monitor wildlife populations.”

The donation comes at a time when the NPS is facing increasing pressure from various criminal activities.

Insurgency and banditry have disrupted operations in several national parks, leading to a decline in wildlife populations and a threat to the fragile ecosystem.

The new patrol vehicles are expected to play a vital role in restoring security and allowing the NPS to resume conservation efforts.

“These vehicles are not just about transportation,” said Mr Umar, “They are a testament to our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity and reviving the ecosystem.

They are a vital tool in the fight against deforestation and the illegal exploitation of wildlife.”

The NPS, deeply appreciative of the support, expressed a firm commitment to utilizing the new vehicles effectively.

“These vehicles will be strategically deployed to enhance our patrol operations and allow us to better safeguard the parks,” said Dr Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General of the NPS.

“We are also committed to utilizing the ICT equipment previously donated by ACReSAL to deliver efficient services and manage the parks effectively.”

The donation of vehicles is only one aspect of the ACReSAL project’s extensive work in Northern Nigeria.

The project has achieved significant progress in restoring degraded landscapes, promoting sustainable land management practices, and fostering community resilience.

Since its inception in 2022, ACReSAL has benefitted over a million people, including a significant number of women, and has contributed to peacebuilding and conflict resolution through its engagement with local communities.

This collaborative effort between the ACReSAL project and the NPS offers a beacon of hope for the future of Northern Nigeria’s National Parks.

By providing vital resources and fostering strong partnerships, this initiative sets the stage for a more secure and sustainable future for the nation’s invaluable natural heritage.